Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that Russia was responsible for the downing of an Azerbaijani plane that resulted in the death of 38 individuals on Christmas Day. This admission came after previous denials from Moscow.
The Russian president explained that their air defenses mistakenly targeted a Ukrainian drone, leading to the accidental firing near the Azerbaijan Airlines aircraft. He revealed that two missiles exploded close to the plane, causing what he referred to as a “technical malfunction.”
Putin’s admission, made during discussions with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, seemed to be an effort to ease tensions between the two countries following the tragic incident.
The aircraft was en route from Baku to Grozny, the capital of Chechnya, when it crashed near Aktau in Kazakhstan, claiming the lives of 38 out of the 67 passengers on December 25. Putin pledged to hold those accountable and provide compensation during a summit in Tajikistan’s capital.
He stated, “The Russian side is committed to offering compensation and holding accountable all responsible individuals for their actions.” However, he acknowledged that no amount of support could bring back the lives lost in the tragedy.
In response, Aliyev expressed gratitude to Putin for his direct involvement in managing the situation. Prior to this, the Azerbaijani president had accused Moscow of attempting to cover up the incident.
Authorities in Baku initially claimed that the Embraer 190 jet was hit accidentally by Russian fire before attempting an emergency landing in western Kazakhstan. Putin had previously apologized to Aliyev for the “tragic incident” without accepting responsibility, while Kremlin officials had denied any involvement.
The incident has strained relations between Moscow and Baku, which were already tense due to previous events. Putin expressed hope for restoring and furthering cooperation with Azerbaijan.
Aliyev echoed these sentiments, hoping for positive outcomes from their discussions and bilateral agenda. The relationship with Baku has gained significance for the Kremlin, particularly since the conflict with Ukraine began in 2022, as Azerbaijan plays a crucial role in Russia’s trade routes.
Turkey, a close ally of Azerbaijan, has also become vital for Russia’s economy amid Western sanctions. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan relies on Russia as a primary market for its agricultural exports and hosts a significant Azerbaijani community.
In conclusion, the tragic plane crash has not only led to diplomatic tensions but also highlighted the complex interdependence between Russia, Azerbaijan, and their regional partners.
